427
Written Answers
5 NOVEMBER 1970
1,500. The force level in Hong Kong will remain substantially as at present.
Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence how many aircraft will be comprised in the Far East detachment of Nimrod; whether they will be there the whole of the year; what airfield they will occupy; who will service them; and what tasks they will perform.
Mr. Lambton: We plan to contribute up to four Nimrod aircraft for maritime reconnaissance throughout the year, by rotational detachments to Singapore.
· Detailed administrative and support ' arrangements are the subject of consulta- tion with our Commonwealth partners. 2
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2
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Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the total strength of Royal Air Force and Royal Navy personnel envisaged for the Far East, including and excluding Hong Kong, respectively.
Lord Balniel: We envisage that after 1971 there will be just over 800 R.N. and R.A.F. uniformed personnel, including Royal Marines, permanently stationed in Hong Kong. Details of the support arrangements in Singapore and Malaysia are being worked out, but we anticipate that there will be on average in the region of 2,000 R.N. and R.A.F. uniformed per- sonnel in the area, including the naval force on station East of Suez.
Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence from what year it is envisaged that the annual cost of deploy- ing forces in South-East Asia will be between £5 million and £10 million.
£ Lord Balniel: 1972-73 will be the first year in which the annual cost will be between £5 million and £10 million.
2 Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence what North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces will be declared for the Far East; and how far other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation powers have been consulted on this ques-
tion.
Lord Balniel: Our allocation of forces to N.A.T.O. will be reduced by one battery of the Royal Artillery; and up to three naval escorts and a detachment of Nimrod aircraft will be at rather longer
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Written Answers
428
notice. We are discussing our plans with our N.A.T.O. allies in accordance with normal practice. These minor changes are, of course, far outweighed by the increases in our force declarations to N.A.T.O, announced in the recent Sup- plementary Statement on Defence Policy 1970.
Exocet
Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence when discussions be tween the British and French navies com- menced on the question of Exocet.
Mr. Kirk: Preliminary discussions started in July, 1969. Following our de- 'cision to introduce Exocet into the Royal Navy subject to satisfactory agreement with the French Government, negotiations on a collaborative programme started in September, 1970.
Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of Exocet; and what type of ship will be fitted with it.
Mr. Kirk: The cost is a matter for negotiation. It is intended to fit Exocet widely in frigates and larger ships.
Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence what other improved weapons systems are expected to be available other than/Exocet by the late 1970s.
Lord Balniel: I refer the right hon. Member to paragraphs 14 and 40 of Cmnd. 4521.
**
H.M.S." Ark Royal
99
Mr. John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence for what percentage of each of the next eight years it is envis- aged the Afk Royal" will be available for sea-going service; when she is due for her next dockings and re-fits; and how long each will take.
Mr. Kirk: “Ark Royal's" next refit and is expected to last about six months. will be due in about three years' time It would be contrary to normal practice to disclose the other details of the ship's programme.
Mr John Morris asked the Minister of State for Defence in what part of the world it is envisaged “Ark Royal" will
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